Oceanic crustal structure and tectonic origin of the southern Kyushu-Palau Ridge in the Philippine Sea

A new high-resolution velocity model of the southern Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR) was derived from an activesource wide-angle seismic reflection/refraction profile. The result shows that the KPR crust can be divided into the upper crust with the P-wave velocity less than 6.1 m/s, and lower crust with P-wave velocity between 6.1 km/s and 7.2 km/s. The crustal thickness of the KPR reaches 12.0 km in the center, which gradually decreases to 5.0–6.0 km at sides. The velocity structure of the KPR is similar to the structures of the adjacent West Philippine Basin and Parece Vela Basin(PVB), indicating a typical oceanic crust. Isostatic analysis shows that some regional compensation occurs during the loading of the KPR, which implies that the KPR was built mainly by magmatism during the splitting of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc and the following back-arc seafloor spreading of the PVB during30–28 Ma BP. The absence of the thick middle crust(6.0–6.5 km/s) and high velocity lower-crustal layers(7.2–7.6 km/s) suggest that arc magmatism plays a less important role in the KPR formation.

Cu-Zn isotope compositions of hydrothermal sediments from the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge:implications to the sediment formation and mineral exploration

Six hydrothermal sediment samples were collected from the Xunmei and Tongguan hydrothermal fields along the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge during the China Ocean Cruise DY46 in 2017.Sulfides and oxides in the samples were separated,and Cu and Zn isotope compositions were analyzed.Results show that the ranges ofδ^(65)Cu values of the bulk sediments,sulfides,and oxides were 0.36‰-2.46‰,-0.21‰-1.10‰,and 0.68‰-1.52‰,respectively.Theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in four samples(46II-14,46II-30,46III-06,and 46II-09)were relatively low(-0.21‰-0.50‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides from inactive old hydrothermal chimneys in northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge(n MAR),suggesting that the sulfides in the sediments were originated from collapsed dead chimney mainly.While theδ^(65)Cu values of the other two samples(46III-02 and 46III-08)were relatively high(1.10‰-0.96‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values for active hydrothermal chimneys sulfides in n MAR,which indicated that the sulfides in these two samples might mainly come from sulfide particles settled from active hydrothermal plume.Because of the high density of sulfide particles,they tended to settle near the hydrothermal vents first.Therefore,highδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in 46III-02 and 46III-08 implied that undiscovered active hydrothermal vents near the sampling positions of 46III-02 in the Xunmei hydrothermal field and 46III-08 in the Tongguan hydrothermal field.Theδ^(66)Zn values of hydrothermal sediments and sulfides ranged 0.11‰-0.43‰and 0.29‰-0.67‰,respectively.In the four samples from the Xunmei hydrothermal field,a positive correlation was found between the distance of the sampling position from sulfide mineralized spot and the Zn isotopic ratio,showing that the greater the distance from the mineralized spot,the heavier the Zn isotope composition as seen in two samples(46II-30 and 46II-14)of the Xunmei-3 spot.This result aligned with the findings of Wilkinson et al.(2005)and Baumgartner et al.(2023),suggesting that the lower the Zn isotope composition,the closer it is to the hydrothermal vent.However,in the Xunmei hydrothermal field,the Zn isotope composition in the other two samples(46III-02and 46III-06)showed the opposite trend.This indicated that there might be an active hydrothermal vent near the sampling location of sample 46III-02.This observation aligned with the Cu isotope analysis results.This study showed that Cu-Zn isotopes are good indicators for understanding the formation mechanisms of hydrothermal sediments and for locating active hydrothermal vents.

Structural features in the mid-southern section of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge based on satellite altimetry gravity anomaly

The Kyushu–Palau Ridge(KPR),an anti-S-shaped submarine highland at the center of the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP),is considered the residual arc of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana Island Arc,which retains key information about the cessation of the Western Philippine Basin(WPB)expansion and the Parece Vela Basin(PVB)breakup.Herein,using the new generation of satellite altimetry gravity data,high-precision seafloor topography data,and newly acquired ship-borne gravity data,the topographic and gravity characteristics of the KPR mid-southern section and adjacent region are depicted.The distribution characteristics of the faults were delineated using the normalized vertical derivative–total horizontal derivative method(NVDR-THDR)and the minimum curvature potential field separation method.The Moho depth and crustal thickness were inverted using the rapid inversion method for a double-interface model with depth constraints.Based on these results,the crust structure features in the KPR mid-southern section,and the“triangular”structure geological significance where the KPR and Central Basin Rift(CBR)of the WPB intersect are interpreted.The KPR crustal thickness is approximately 6–16 km,with a distinct discontinuity that is slightly thicker than the normal oceanic crust.The KPR mid-southern section crust structure was divided into four segments(S1–S4)from north to south,formed by the CBR eastward extension joint action and clockwise rotation of the PVB expansion axis and the Mindanao fault zone blocking effect.

Crustal structure and variation along the southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge

As an interoceanic arc,the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)is an exceptional place to study the subduction process and related magmatism through its interior velocity structure.However,the crustal structure and its nature of the KPR,especially the southern part with limited seismic data,are still in mystery.In order to unveil the crustal structure of the southern part of the KPR,this study uses deep reflection/refraction seismic data recorded by 24 ocean bottom seismometers to reconstruct a detailed P-wave velocity model along the ridge.Results show strong alongridge variations either on the crustal velocity or the thickness of the KPR.P-wave velocity model is featured with(1)a crustal thickness between 6–12 km,with velocity increases from 4.0 km/s to 7.0 km/s from top to bottom;(2)high gradient(~1 s^(-1))in the upper crust but low one(<0.2 s^(-1))in the lower crust;(3)a slow mantle velocity between 7.2 km/s and 7.6 km/s in the uppermost mantle;and(4)inhomogenous velocity anomalies in the lower crust beneath seamounts.By comparing with the mature arc in the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc in the east,this study suggests the southern part of KPR is a thicken oceanic crust rather than a typical arc crust.The origin of low velocities in the lower crust and upper mantle may be related with crustal differentiation,which implies advanced crustal evolution from normal oceanic crust to partly thicken oceanic crust.High velocities in the lower crust are related to the difference in magmatism.

Topographic and geomorphological features and tectogenesis of the southern section of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)and its adjacent areas

The Philippine Sea is the largest marginal sea in the Western Pacific Ocean and is divided into two parts by the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR).The western part is the West Philippine Basin,and the eastern part consists of the Shikoku and Parece Vela basins.Based on surveyed data of massive high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data and sub-bottom profiles data collected from the southern section of the KPR from 2018 to 2021,this paper analyzes the topographic and geomorphological features,shallow sedimentary features,and tectonic genesis of the southern section of the KPR,obtaining the following conclusions.The southern section of the KPR has complex and rugged topography,with positive and negative topography alternatingly distributed and a maximum height difference of 4086 m.The slope of seamounts in this section generally exceeds 10°and is up to a maximum of 59°.All these contribute noticeably discontinuous topography.There are primarily nine geomorphological types in the southern section of the KPR,including seamounts,ridges,and intermontane valleys,etc.Among them,seven independent seamount groups are divided by five large troughs,forming an overall geomorphological pattern of seven abyssal seamount groups and five troughs.This reflects the geomorphological features of a deep oceanic ridge.Intramontane basins and intermontane valleys in the southern section of the KPR are covered by evenly thick sediments.In contrast,sediments in ridges and seamounts in this section are thin or even missing,with slumps developing locally.Therefore,the sediments are discontinuous and unevenly developed.The KPR formed under the control of tectonism such as volcanic activities and plate movements.In addition,exogenic forces such as underflow scouring and sedimentation also play a certain role in shaping seafloor landforms in the KPR.

Characteristics of gravity and magnetic fields and deep structural responses in the southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge

The southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)is located at the conjunction of the West Philippine Basin,the Parece Vela Basin,the Palau Basin,and the Caroline Basin.This area has extremely complex structures and is critical for the research on the tectonic evolution of marginal seas in the Western Pacific Ocean.However,only few studies have been completed on the southern part,and the geophysical fields and deep structures in this part are not well understood.Given this,this study finely depicts the characteristics of the gravity and magnetic anomalies and extracts information on deep structures in the southern part of the KPR based on the gravity and magnetic data obtained from the 11th expedition of the deep-sea geological survey of the Western Pacific Ocean conducted by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey,China Geological Survey using the R/V Haiyangdizhi 6.Furthermore,with the data collected on the water depth,sediment thickness,and multichannel seismic transects as constraints,a 3D density model and Moho depths of the study area were obtained using 3D density inversion.The results are as follows.(1)The gravity and magnetic anomalies in the study area show distinct zoning and segmentation.In detail,the gravity and magnetic anomalies to the south of 11°N of the KPR transition from high-amplitude continuous linear positive anomalies into low-amplitude intermittent linear positive anomalies.In contrast,the gravity and magnetic anomalies to the north of 11°N of the KPR are discontinuous and show alternating positive and negative anomalies.These anomalies can be divided into four sections,of which the separation points correspond well to the locations of deep faults,thus,revealing different field-source attributes and tectonic genesis of the KPR.(2)The Moho depth in the basins in the study area is 6-12 km.The Moho depth in the southern part of KPR show segmentation.Specifically,the depth is 10‒12 km to the north of 11°N,12‒14 km from 9.5°N to 11°N,14-16 km from 8.5°N to 9.5°N,and 16‒25 km in the Palau Islands.(3)The KPR is a remnant intra-oceanic arc with the oceanic-crust basement.which shows noticeably discontinuous from north to south in geological structure and is intersected by NEE-trending lithospheric-scale deep faults.With large and deep faults F3 and F1(the Mindanao fault)as boundaries overall,the southern part of the KPR can be divided into three zones.In detail,the portion to the south of 8.5°N(F3)is a tectonically active zone,the KPR portion between 8.5°N and 11°N is a tectonically active transition zone,and the portion to the north of 11°N is a tectonically inactive zone.(4)The oceanic crust in the KPR is slightly thicker than that in the basins on both sides of the ridge,and it is inferred that the KPR formed from the thickening of the oceanic crust induced by the upwelling of deep magma in the process of rifting of remnant arcs during the Middle Oligocene.In addition,it is inferred that the thick oceanic crust under the Palau Islands is related to the constant upwelling of deep magma induced by the continuous northwestward subduction of the Caroline Plate toward the Palau Trench since the Late Oligocene.This study provides a scientific basis for systematically understanding the crustal attributes,deep structures,and evolution of the KPR.

Wave Characteristics at the South Part of the Radial Sand Ridges of the Southern Yellow Sea

Based on one-year wave field data measured at the south part of the radial sand ridges of the Southern Yellow Sea, the wave statistical characteristics, wave spectrum and wave group properties are analyzed. The results show that the significant wave height （H1/3） varies from 0.15 to 2.22 m with the average of 0.59 m and the mean wave period （Tmean） varies from 2.06 to 6.82 s with the average of 3.71 s. The percentage of single peak in the wave spectra is 88.6 during the measurement period, in which 36.3% of the waves are pure wind waves and the rest are young swells. The percentage with the significant wave height larger than 1 m is 12.4. The dominant wave directions in the study area are WNW, W, ESE, E and NW. The relationships among the characteristic wave heights, the characteristic wave periods, and the wave spectral parameters are identified. It is found that the tentative spectral model is suitable for the quantitative description of the wave spectrum in the study area, while the run lengths of the wave group estimated from the measured data are generally larger than those in other sea areas.

Geochemical Features of Sulfides from the Deyin-1 Hydrothermal Field at the Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 15?S

In this study, geochemical compositions of elements in sulfide samples collected from the Deyin-1 hydrothermal field near the 15?S southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge(SMAR) were analyzed by the X-ray fluorescence spectrometry(XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) to examine the enrichment regulations of ore-forming elements and hydrothermal mineralization. These sulfide precipitates can be classified macroscopically into three types: Fe-rich sulfide, Fe-Cu-rich sulfide and Fe-Zn-rich sulfide, and are characterized by the enrichment of base metal elements along with a sequence of Fe>Zn>Cu. Compared with sulfides from other hydrothermal fields on MAR, Zn concentrations of sulfides in the research area are significantly high, while Cu concentrations are relatively low. For all major, trace or rare-earth elements(REE), their concentrations and related characteristic parameters exhibit significant variations(up to one or two orders of magnitude), which indicates the sulfides from different hydrothermal vents or even a same station were formed at different stages of hydrothermal mineralization, and suggests the variations of chemical compositions of the hydrothermal fluid with respect to time. The hydrothermal temperatures of sulfides precipitation decreased gradually from station TVG10(st.TVG10) to st.TVG12, and to st.TVG11, indicating that the precipitation of hydrothermal sulfides is subjected to conditions changed from high temperature to low temperature, and that the hydrothermal activity of study area was at the late stage of a general trend of evolution from strong to weak. The abnormally low concentrations of REE in sulfides and their similar chondrite-normalized REE patterns show that REEs in all sulfides were derived from a same source, but underwent different processes of migration or enrichment, or sulfides were formed at different stages of hydrothermal mineralization. The sulfides collected from the active hydrothermal vent were mainly attributed to precipitating directly from the hydrothermal fluid, while those collected from the extinct hydrothermal chimney might have already been altered by the seawater. Generally, ore-forming elements in the sulfides can be divided into three groups: Fe-based element group, Cu-based element group and Zn-based element group. The first group includes Fe, Mn, Cr, Mo, Sn, Rb and bio-enriching elements, such as P and Si, reflecting the similar characteristics to Fe in the study area. And the second group contains Cu, W, Co, Se, Te and Bi, suggesting the similar behavior with Cu. Moreover, the third group includes Zn, Hf, Hg, Cd, Ta, Ga, Pb, As, Ag, Ni and Sb, which indicates the geochemical characteristics of most dispersed trace elements controlled by Zn-bearing minerals to some extent.

The geomorphological features and continuity of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (KPR)

The Philippine Basin,surrounded by a series of oceanic trenches,is an independent deep ocean basin in the West Pacific Ocean.Its middle part is divided into three marginal sea sub-basins by the Kyushu-Palau and West Mariana Ridges,namely,the West Philippine Basin,the Shikoku and Parece Vela Basins and the Mariana Trough.This paper,through the analysis of the geomorphologic features and gravity and magnetic characteristics of the basin and identification of striped magnetic anomalies,suggests that the entire Philippine Basin developed magnetic lineation of oceanic nature,and therefore,the entire basin is of the nature of oceanic crust.The basin has developed a series of special geomorphic units with different shapes.The KPR runs through the entire Philippine Basin.From the view of geomorphologic features,the KPR is a discontinuous seamount chain （chain-shaped seamounts） and subduction beneath the Japanese Island arc at the Nankai Trough which is the natural boundary between the basin and the Japanese Island arc.At the positions of 25 N,24 N,23 N and 18 N,obvious discontinuity is shown,which belongs to natural topographic discontinuity.Therefore,the KPR is topographically discontinuous.

Mineralogical characteristics of polymetallic sulfides from the Deyin-1 hydrothermal field near 15°S, southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

A seafloor hydrothermal field, named Deyin-1 later, near 15°S southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge（SMAR） was newly found during the 22 nd cruise carried out by the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research ＆ Development Association（COMRA）. Sulfide samples were collected at three stations from the hydrothermal field during the26 th cruise in 2012. In this paper, mineralogical characteristics of the sulfides were analyzed with optical microscope, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and electron microprobe to study the crystallization sequence of minerals and the process of hydrothermal mineralization. According to the difference of the ore-forming metal elements, the sulfide samples can be divided into three types：（1） the Ferich sulfide, which contains mainly pyrite and chalcopyrite;（2） the Fe-Cu-rich sulfide consisting predominantly of pyrite, chalcopyrite and isocubanite, with lesser amount of sphalerite, marmatite and pyrrhotine; and（3） the Fe-Zn-rich sulfide dominated by pyrite, sphalerite and marmatite, with variable amounts of chalcopyrite, isocubanite, pyrrhotine, marcasite, galena and gratonite. Mineral precipitations in these sulfides are in the sequence of chalcopyrite（isocubanite and possible coarse pyrite）, fine pyrite,sphalerite（marmatite）, galena, gratonite and then the minerals out of the dissolution. Two morphologically distinct generations（Py-I and Py-II） of pyrite are identified in each of the samples; inclusions of marmatite tend to exist in the coarse pyrite crystals（Py-I）. Sphalerite in the Fe-Zn-rich sulfide is characterized by a＂chalcopyrite disease＂ phenomenon. Mineral paragenetic relationships and a wide range of chemical compositions suggest that the environment of hydrothermal mineralization was largely changing. By comparison, the Fe-rich sulfide was formed in a relatively stable environment with a high temperature, but the conditions for the formation of the Fe-Cu-rich sulfide were variable. The Fe-Zn-rich sulfide was precipitated during the hydrothermal venting at relatively low temperature.

Major hotspots detected along the Scotia Ridge in autumn for southern right whales Eubalaena australis, Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella and Antarctic prions Pachyptila desolata

We investigated the role of hydrological features, such as water masses, fronts, eddies, and sea ice, in affecting the distribution of upper trophic level species in the Scotia Sea region during autumn. On board RV Polarstern, we performed 365 30-min strip transects recording seabirds and marine mammals along the North Scotia Ridge and the South Sandwich Trench in March--April 2013. Among the 7 identified cetacean species recorded, the humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae was the most abundant baleen whale （40 individuals）, and noteworthy were sightings of six southern right whales Eubalaena australis. Pinnipeds （3 species, 1650 individuals） were dominated by Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella （99%）, and seabirds （36 species, 18900 individuals） by Antarctic prion Pachyptila desolata （-50%）. The distribution of these top predators was highly patchy with the majority of observations concentrated in a few counts. This heterogeneity is likely a result of prey availability, and we discuss how hydrological features may have caused the patchiness.

Characteristics of Garden Culture in Southern Region of the Five Ridges

Geographical conditions, humanistic environment and garden development history in the southern region of the Five Ridges (or Lingnan, "Ling" means "ridge", "nan" means "south") were introduced in this study, and characteristics of garden culture in this region were analyzed.

Tectonic implications of the subduction of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge beneath the Kyushu,southwest Japan

The Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR),a remnant arc on the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP),is subducting beneath the Kyushu,southwest Japan.Influenced by the subducting KPR,the Kyushu subduction zone corresponding to the KPR is significantly different from Shikoku subduction zone in terms of gravity anomalies,seismicity,the stress state,and the subducting slab morphology.Significant negative free-air and Bouguer gravity anomalies are observed in a prolonged area of KPR,southeast of the Miyazaki Plain,indicating that this is where KPR overlaps the overriding plate.The gravity anomaly in this area is much lower than that in other areas where the inferred KPR extends,suggesting that the subduction of the buoyant KPR may cause the lower mantle density to decrease.More earthquakes have occurred in Hyuga-nada region where the KPR subducts than in Shikoku forearc and other areas in the Kyushu forearc,indicating that the subduction of the KPR enhances the local coupling between the subducting and overriding plates.The centroid moment tensor(CMT)mechanism of earthquakes shows that stress is concentrated in the accumulated crust beneath the Kyushu forearc corresponding to the KPR,and the shallow thrusting events in the obducting plate are caused by the KPR subduction.The buoyant KPR,with a large volume of low-density sediments,was responsible for the differences of the subduction depth and dip angle of the subducting Philippine Sea(PS)slab between northern Kyushu and Shikoku.The seismic gaps and the sudden change of the dipping angle of the subducting PS slab indicate that slab tear may have occurred along the west side of the KPR beneath southwest Kyushu.A two-tear model was proposed,and the subduction of the buoyant KPR was believed to play an important role in the slab tear.

Geological comparative studies of Japan Arc System and Kyushu-Palau Arc

Based on the published data of structure geology,geochronology,petrology and isotope geochemistry,the authors of this paper have conducted studies on the tectonic evolution history of Japan arc system and Kyushu-Palau ridge（KPR） . The studies show that the initial Japan arc system was resulted from the subduction of ancient Pacific plate beneath Eurasian Plate in Permian. It was part of an Andean-type continental volcanic arc which occurred in the offshore in the east of Asian during late Mesozoic era. The formation of tertiary back-arc basin（Japan Sea） resulted in the fundamental tectonic framework of the present arc system. Since Quaternary the system has been lying at E-W compression tectonic setting due to the eastward subduction of Amur Plate. It is expected that Japan arc system will be juxtaposed with Asian continent,which is similar to the present Taiwan arc system. The origin of Philippine Sea Plate（PSP） is still in debate. Some studies argued that it is a trapped oceanic crust segment,while the others insisted that it is a back-arc basin accompanied with ancient IBM arc. However,it is all agreed that the tectonic evolution of PSP started since 50 Ma,i.e.,PSP has drifted from the site around equator at 50 Ma to the present site,and the subduction of PSP along Nankai trough-Ryukyu Trench beneath the Japan arc system during 6–2 Ma led to the formation of the present Ryukyu arc system. Of the PSP,the KPR has been found with the oldest rocks formed at 38 Ma. Combining with its geochemical characteristics of oceanic arc tholeiite,it is suggested that KPR is an intraoceanic volcanic arc,more specifically,a relic arc（i.e.,rear arc of the ancient IBM） after rifting of ancient IBM. In addition,Amami-Daito province is of arc tectonic affinity,but has been affected by mantle plume. Therefore,based on their respective tectonic evolution history and geochemical characteristics of rock samples,it is inferred that there is no genetic relationship between Japan arc system and KPR. It is noted that rocks reflecting continental crust basement feature have been collected on the northern tip of KPR,which may be related to the process of KPR accreting on Japan arc,but the arc-continent accretion process are still at initial stage of modern continental crust accretion model. However,due to the scarcity of data of the northern tip of KPR,crustal structure of this location and its adjacent Nankai trough need to be further constrained by geophysical studies in the future.

Extensive Cold-Precipitation-Freezing Events in Southern China and Their Circulation Characteristics

Concurrence of low temperature,precipitation and freezing weather in an extensive area would cause devastating impacts on local economy and society.We call such a combination of concurrent disastrous weather“extensive coldprecipitation-freezing”events(ECPFEs).In this study,the ECPFEs in southern China(15°−35°N,102°−123°E)are objectively defined by using daily surface observational data for the period 1951−2013.An ECPFE in southern China is defined if the low temperature area,precipitation area and freezing area concurrently exceed their respective thresholds for at least three consecutive days.The identified ECPFEs are shown to be reasonable and reliable,compared with those in previous studies.The circulation anomalies in ECPFEs are characterized by a large-scale tilted ridge and trough pairing over mid-and high-latitude Eurasia,and the intensified subtropical westerlies along the southern foot of the Tibetan Plateau and the anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the subtropical western Pacific.Comparative analysis reveals that the stable cold air from the north and the warm and moist air from the south converge,facilitating a favorable environment for the concurrence of extensive low-temperature,precipitation and freezing weather.

南大西洋赤狐热液区硫化物特征及成矿机制

赤狐热液区是中国科研人员在南大西洋中脊首次发现的拆离断层型热液区。该区位于拆离断层的下盘,目前发现2个热液点,围岩类型为基性玄武岩。利用ICP-OES、ICP-MS、LA-ICP-MS等方法对2019年获得赤狐热液区硫化物样品开展详细的矿物学和地球化学研究,结果显示该区包括块状、角砾状、浸染状三类硫化物。与其他拆离断层型热液区相比,赤狐热液区上2个热液点具有明显不同的化学特征;全岩的主微量、黄铁矿的微量元素以及热液区硫化物的硫同位素特征明显指示,赤狐热液区可能受到基性与超基性岩的共同影响。热液区2个热液点的差异指示了同一个热液系统不同时期产出硫化物有差异及遭受后期改造的不同。

西藏南部冈底斯带东段晚白垩世埃达克岩:新特提斯洋脊俯冲的产物?

西藏南部冈底斯带晚白垩世岩浆作用的性质及其产生的地球动力学机制仍存在不同看法。为进一步约束冈底斯带晚白垩世的构造岩浆演化历史,本文报道了南冈底斯东段朗县至米林一带晚白垩世花岗岩类的岩石学、锆石U-Pb年代学、全岩地球化学以及锆石Hf同位素数据。锆石U-Pb定年结果表明,这些花岗岩侵位于84～78Ma,以高Al2O3(15.69%～17.65%),低MgO(0.47%～1.24%),极低相容元素(Cr=1.34×10-6～3.27×10-6、Ni=0.69×10-6～3.32×10-6)含量和高Sr(542×10-6～774×10-6)以及高Sr/Y比值(48～397)为特征,显示埃达克质岩石的地球化学特征,属于中钾钙碱性偏铝质岩石(A/CNK=0.95～1.04),富集大离子亲石元素(LILE)、亏损高场强元素(HFSE),部分样品具显著的正铕异常(δEu=1.16～2.26)和中稀土元素亏损的特征,锆石εHf(t)值变化范围大(+0.2～+15.1)。这些晚白垩世埃达克岩可能是先期底侵的镁铁质下地壳在含水角闪岩相条件下发生部分熔融作用的产物。通过与冈底斯带110Ma和50Ma左右大规模带状岩浆作用的对比,本文赞成洋脊俯冲模式是用来解释南冈底斯带晚白垩世大规模带状岩浆作用成因的一种最可能机制。

南天山榆树沟遭受麻粒岩相变质改造的蛇绿岩套研究

新疆南天山榆树沟高压麻粒岩地体的原岩是一层序基本完整的蛇绿岩套。该岩套主要由变质橄榄岩、超镁铁质－镁铁质堆晶岩、下部洋脊拉斑玄武岩、以及上部洋脊拉斑玄武岩等四个岩石单元构成。其岩石学和ＲＥＥ与相对惰性微量元素的地球化学特征表明，该蛇绿岩中的玄武岩属洋脊型；结合区域地质背景分析，初步认为榆树沟蛇绿岩可能形成于具相当规模的洋盆构造环境。锆石Ｕ－Ｐｂ年龄表明其形成时代为早古生代中晚期，证实西南天山早古生代蛇绿岩确已延伸至库米什一带。榆树沟麻粒岩相蛇绿岩套的确定以及对其独特的形成和俯冲－折返过程进行深入研究，不仅对进一步探讨天山构造带的形成和演化有重要意义。

藏南彭错林硅质岩地球化学特征及沉积环境分析

通过野外地质调查和系统的岩石化学、常量元素、微量元素以及稀土元素等研究,探讨了藏南彭错林硅质岩的地球化学特征及其沉积环境。研究表明,呈厚层状产出的绿色、棕褐色硅质岩具有较高的SiO2含量,局部受Fe、Mn矿化,Al/(Al+Fe+Mn)比值小,在Fe-Mn-Al三角成因判别图解中,大部分硅质岩样品落入热水沉积区域,微量元素Sr、Zr、Cu、Zn和Ba含量较高,稀土元素∑REE较低,Ce负异常,Eu正异常,北美页岩标准化后配分模式稍向左倾,体现出热水沉积特征;在沉积环境判别图100×Fe2O3/SiO2-100×Al2O3/SiO2、Fe2O3/(100-SiO2)-Al2O3/(100-SiO2)和Fe2O3/TiO2-Al2O3/(Al2O3+Fe2O3)中,硅质岩样品投影到洋中脊和深海区域,说明形成于大洋中脊和深海盆地环境;硅质岩常量和稀土参数变化特征图显示,在剖面中PCL-1、PCL-5和PCL-7采样位置更接近热液中心;硅质岩的形成与板块的汇聚消减产生的以洋中脊和海底热点为中心的洋壳热水系统有关。

新特提斯演化的热点与洋脊相互作用：西藏南部晚侏罗世-早白垩世岩浆作用推论

雅鲁藏布蛇绿混杂岩代表了新特提斯洋盆闭合的地表残余。本文在测试数据基础上,综合分析了目前雅鲁藏布江蛇绿混杂岩研究中取得的比较可信的晚侏罗世-早白垩世玄武岩的地球化学数据,并对其进行了较为详细的区域对比分析以讨论涉及新特提斯演化的地球动力学过程。结果表明:(1)雅鲁藏布蛇绿混杂岩带吉定洞拉村玄武岩、错拉山口北部玄武岩为大洋中脊玄武岩(MORB)型,错拉山口南部玄武岩为洋岛玄武岩(OIB)型,萨嘎桑单林玄武岩既包括OIB型,又包括MORB型;(2)在东西延伸约1500km的雅鲁藏布蛇绿混杂岩带中,至少可能存在OIB、MORB(包括N-MORB、E-MORB)和岛弧玄武岩IAB三种类型的晚侏罗世-早白垩世玄武岩。不活动的高场强元素比值(如Nb/Y,Zr/Y等)指示雅鲁藏布蛇绿混杂岩带中部仁布、杯玛让、吉定洞拉村和错拉山口北部地区以及中西部萨嘎地区的MORB型玄武岩中的亏损组分很可能来源于深部亏损的地幔柱源区。微量元素地球化学模拟表明,雅鲁藏布蛇绿混杂岩带OIB型玄武岩可能主要来源于石榴石二辉橄榄岩源区中等程度(10%～20%)的部分熔融,而MORB型玄武岩主要来源于尖晶石二辉橄榄岩源区中等程度(7%～25%)的部分熔融,IAB型玄武岩所代表的源区熔融深度以中部较浅而东西两端较深为特点,其中中部得几、杯玛让、吉定等地的IAB很可能与尖晶石二辉橄榄岩源区的部分熔融有关,而东部和西部达几翁IAB的熔融源区可能残留有石榴石。结合该带报道的He同位素数据和矿物学观察,以及在喜马拉雅带新获得的古地磁数据,可以认为热点与洋脊的相互作用是对晚侏罗世-早白垩世新特提斯演化的一种很可能的地球动力学解释。需要强调,虽然该模式可以较好地解释目前在藏南观察到的晚侏罗世-早白垩世岩浆作用特点和性质,但因资料有限,还需要做许多非常细致的工作来证实或否定。